EC3 Series

Coldroom Controllers
Technical Data

The EC3-33x Series form a new generation of electronic

controllers for refrigeration and air conditioning. The controllers
feature a DIN rail mounted housing and a separate optional
display unit in the small industry standard housing form factor.
They offer maximum functionality such as superheat,
temperature and defrost controller with built-in TCP/IP
Ethernet communications and WebServer functionality. Any
®
standard WebBrowser (e.g. Internet Explorer or Mozilla
Firefox) can be used for monitoring or parameter setting.
The version with Echelon LON® network interface is for use in
more complex systems, where different controllers must
communicate with each other.

Features EC3-33x Series Controllers

• Superheat control with self-adapting algorithm and driver
circuit for stepper motor driven Electrical Control Valves
(EX5 … EX8)
• Air temperature control EC3 Series Coldroom Controller
• Defrost and fan management
with ECD-001 Display Unit
• Limitation of evaporating pressure (MOP)
• Feed-through of 4 … 20mA signal of evaporating pressure
transmitter to analogue output to operate multiple
controllers with a common pressure transmitter
• 2 digital inputs for compressor safety loop and coldroom
door contact
• 4 relay outputs for compressor, fan, defrost and alarm
• Support of two network technologies:
TCP/IP Ethernet with WebServer functionality allows
monitoring and configuration of controllers through a
®
standard WebBrowser (e.g. Internet Explorer or Mozilla
Firefox)
or Echelon FTT10 LON® technology for monitoring and
configuration through a supervisory system such as the
ALCO Monitoring Server AMS
• Alarm messaging by email (EC3-332)
• Integral backup battery to close Electrical Control Valve in
case of power loss
• Electrical connection via plug-in type screw terminals
• Aluminum housing for DIN rail mounting
Typical ordering package:
Features ECD-001 Display Unit • EC3-332 Coldroom Controller with K03-330 Terminal Kit
• Front panel mounted human interface for parameter and • EX5-U21 Electrical Control Valve with EX5-L30 Cable
status read-out and controller setup via keypad
• ECD-001 Display Unit with ECC-017 Cable
• 2½ digit LED display with automatic decimal point
• ECT-623 Transformer
• Indicator LEDs for compressor, fan, heater and alarm
• PT4-07S Pressure Transmitter with PT4-L30 Cable
• Connection to EC3 Series via ECC-017 or standard CAT5
patch cord with RJ45 connectors. • ECN-N30 Air Temperature Sensor
• Standard 71 x 29 mm cut-out dimensions • ECN-P30 Pipe Temperature Sensor
• IP65 protection class when mounted in front panel • ECN-F60 Fin Temperature Sensor

Selection Table
®
TCP/IP Ethernet LON FTT-10
Description Type Order Nr. Type Order Nr.
Coldroom Controller
EC3-332 807 632 EC3-331 807 631
Superheat control for EX5 ... EX8 Electrical Control Valves *
*For further details refer to: EX5, EX6, EX7, EX8 Electrical Control Valves datasheet EX58e35008.pdf

EC33e35041.doc Rev.: 06 1/8 26.10.2005

 EC3 Series
Coldroom Controllers
Introduction
The EC3-33x series Controllers are for use in commercial
refrigeration systems, primarily to control the refrigeration circuit
of coldrooms. This includes the control of the refrigerant flow to
optimize superheat, maintain air temperature and the defrost
management. Alco Controls EX5… EX8 Electrical Control
Valves must be used in conjunction with the EC3-33x units to
modulate refrigerant flow.
Two separate control loops are coordinated in the device: One
senses evaporating pressure and temperature to maintain
optimum superheat, while the other loop controls air
temperature.
Other functions include the management of defrost schedules
and sequences, data monitoring and alarm handling. Though
EC3 Controllers can operate as stand alone devices, they are
best suited to networked solutions, which take advantage of the
monitoring capabilities.
The EC3-33x Controllers are members of the range of EC2 and
EC3 devices, which can be easily assembled into complete
control systems for commercial refrigeration. They all share the
benefits of remote access and data communication. Please
refer to specific datasheets for details.
Application
The functions of the EC3-33x Controllers are described in the
functional diagram below:
With coil out temperature (1) and evaporating pressure (4) the
superheat is calculated to define the opening of the Electrical
Control Valve (11). Superheat can be set to a fixed value or an
adaptive mode may be used. Temperature sensor (2) is part of
the temperature control loop. The defrost heater (8) can be
activated locally by fixed timing intervals or remotely through the
communications port. For defrost end termination the
temperature sensor (3) can be used. Fan (10) and compressor
(7) are controlled as well. One digital input is allocated to the
compressor safety loop (5). Another digital input monitors the
door switch (6), which will activate an alarm if the door is not
closed within a specified time. The analog output (12) feeds the
evaporating pressure transmitter signal to a 2nd EC3-33x or
other Controller on the same suction line thus eliminating the
need for a second pressure transmitter.
In case of power loss a battery built in the EC3-33x will close
the Electrical Control Valve (11) and avoid flooding of the
EC33e35041.doc Rev.: 06 2/8
compressor. Due to the positive shut-off capabilities of the EX5
… 8 valves a separate liquid line solenoid valve is not required.
Superheat Control
The EC3 Series controls evaporator superheat by varying the
mass flow through the Electrical Control Valve (ECV). The
controller automatically calculates the number of steps required
for the correct valve opening by measuring pressure and
temperature at the evaporator output. PT4-07S pressure
transmitters and ECN-Pxx pipe type temperature sensors from
ALCO Controls must be used.
The controller works in two operating modes: fixed superheat
and adaptive superheat. In the “fixed” mode, the superheat
set-point is fixed to a user-defined value. In the “adaptive” mode
the controller varies superheat set-points in the range between
3K and 15 K depending on system conditions to maintain stable
operation. The pressure drop through a distributor or the glide
associated with certain refrigerants (e.g. R407C) can be
compensated in the controller.
Temperature Control
The ECN-Sxx air sensor is used for temperature control of the
coldroom. The dead band control function is described in the
diagram below:
The horizontal axis represents the temperature, with St the set-
point for day operation and rd the difference at day, while r6 is
the set-point for night operation and r7 the difference at night.
The vertical axis represents cooling operation (1 = cooling, 0 =
no cooling).
A control parameter allows to switch off the evaporator fan
during “no cooling”.
A more precise temperature control can be achieved by using
the modulating temperature mode as shown below:
The horizontal axis represents the temperature, the vertical axis
the superheat setting. At high temperatures, the controller works
with minimum superheat. St is the set-point for day operation, at
which the superheat is already increased. rd specifies the
proportional band in which the superheat is modulated.
Equivalent is r6, the set-point for the night operation and r7 the
width of the proportional band at night. At a temperature of St
minus ½*rd (day) or r6 minus ½*r7 (night) the valve is closed.
In case the controller should be used in a heat pump for
heating, the function of the temperature controller can be
inversed:
When used with a standard condensing unit, the compressor
relay can be used to switch the coil of power contactor. The
compressor relay is not used in a refrigeration system with a
rack controller. In this application, the electrical control valve
closes when the thermostat set-point has been reached and the
rack will automatically pump down if there is insufficient demand
from the rest of the refrigeration system.
26.10.2005
 EC3 Series
Coldroom Controllers
Defrost
EC3-33x Series controllers allow local defrost management
through the built-in defrost timer but also permit remote defrost
scheduling through the networking connection. For remote
defrost details please consult the operating instructions.
Two basic defrost modes are possible:
Electrical / hot gas defrost
All timing parameters can be selected to cover specific defrost
modes, see the diagrams below for the function of defrost
output and fan output at defrost:
Fan
Defrost
Defrost can be activated after power up (d4 flag) and the delay
(d5). Delay (d6) allows for pump down. The defrost will end
either when the defrost termination temperature (dt) has been
exceeded or after the maximum defrost duration (dP). Other
delays take care for synchronization of multiple evaporators in
the same system (dU), for drain (d7) and for injection (d8). The
next defrost will occur after the specified defrost interval (dI).
Fans can be switched off at defrost (F3 flag) and switched on
after defrost and drip time delay (Fd).
End of defrost is detected by the dedicated defrost temperature
sensor ECN-F60.
Natural Defrost
Though natural defrost is possible with the EC3-33x Series, it is
unlikely that such a defrost method is used in a coldroom. Since
the EC3-33x Series is also applicable for other refrigeration
applications, natural defrost may well be applicable there.
Sensors
Low cost NTC sensors are available with different cable lengths
to meet specific customer's requirements for optimal positioning
of the sensors. All sensors are hermetically sealed for high
reliability and long life. Air sensors have a plastic housing, pipe
and fin sensors have metal housings for optimal thermal
conductivity and the fin sensor has an additional mounting clip.
Operation and Commissioning
Operating and commissioning of an EC3-33x Controller may be
performed by using one of the following options:
- Locally or remote with a PC connected to the TCP/IP Ethernet
port of the EC3-332.
- Remotely via the AMS Server connected to the LON® port of
an EC3-331.
- Locally through the 4-button keypad of an optional ECD-001.
- Locally with the infrared remote control and the optional ECD-
001 display attached.
For initial commissioning of a new installation depending on the
networking technology of the EC3-33x the first two options are
the most appropriate. Commissioning is done via dedicated
menus with meaningful default values, which make
commissioning an EC3-33x a plug-and-play type of job.
Anybody who is familiar with Microsoft Windows® based
programs and WebBrowsers should find it very intuitive without
the need for special training.
EC33e35041.doc Rev.: 06 3/8
Optional ECD-001 Display Unit
The ECD-001 may be attached to the EC3 Series Controller to
provide a local display of system parameters, most commonly
temperatures. With the 2½ digit display temperatures within
±199°C can be shown with a resolution of 1°C. The resolution
improves to 0,1°C within a range of ±19.9°C. The display unit
can be switched from °C to °F. When displaying °F the same
resolution as above applies.
Indicator LEDs show the status of compressor, fan, defrost and
alarm. A blinking LED indicates that the EC3 Controller is trying
to fulfill a task but is prevented from doing so by another
restraint in the system. An example of this would be the
minimum compressor run time.
WebServer function of the EC3-332 with TCP/IP Ethernet
networking capabilities
Though the actual status of the controllers can be viewed on the
optional ECD-001 Display Unit, it is much more convenient to
do the viewing on a PC. All relevant parameters and modes are
visible on a single WebPage simultaneously. For even more
details and for setup and maintenance a click on one of the
screen tabs calls up a WebPage dedicated to specific task. All
of this can be done with a standard WebBrowser like the
Internet Explorer®, the Mozilla Firefox or others. The picture on
page 4 shows the homepage of an EC3-332 with the monitoring
WebPage of the controller.
Echelon LON® Networking Capabilities of the EC3-331
The remote access, viewing and monitoring features of the
LON® version EC3 Series Controllers match and exceed the
capabilities of their TCP/IP counterparts. Though remote access
requires the use of the Alco Controls AMS Monitoring Server or
special third party LON® compliant hardware and software,
many more additional functions and features are available.
The EC3-331 Controllers are equipped with LON-FTT10 (free
topology) transceiver types. This offers the installer greatest
flexibility in the way the controllers are connected to the LON®
network in addition to offering higher communication
transmission rates.
When connected to the LON® network, the individual EC3
Series controllers may be bound together through peer-to-peer
communication to form self-contained control loops for
applications such as synchronised defrosting.
Retrieval and download of setups and data is very comfortable
and easily achievable in LON® systems.
Refer to the "Alco Networking Application" sheets for further
details.
Where to apply TCP/IP Ethernet vs. LON® Controllers
In general TCP/IP Ethernet controllers are more applicable for
smaller refrigeration systems with only a few pieces of
refrigeration equipment. No special hardware or special
software is needed and whoever can set up a small PC network
has all the necessary know-how to set up and operate EC2 and
EC3 TCP/IP Ethernet controllers.
In larger installations LON® has its merits. Network wiring is
easier and less costly. Peer-to-peer communication is another
benefit of LON® and data retrieval and storage are very easily
achievable. These advantages come at a price however: a
monitoring and server device like the Alco Controls AMS is
needed along with some special know-how in LON®
technology. The associated cost therefore makes LON®
technology primarily applicable in large refrigeration plants with
many pieces of refrigeration equipment like Supermarkets or
large cold storage facilities.
26.10.2005
 EC3 Series
Coldroom Controllers

The top fields indicate the status of compressor, defrost heater,
fan and alarm output relay (left) and the status of compressor
alarm loop and door switch inputs (right). The fields below show
temperatures and pressure of all sensors attached to the
controller as well as the setpoints for air temperature and
superheat. The coil-in temperature is calculated from the
saturation pressure of the used refrigerant. All status messages
(thermostat, defrost and evaporator) are displayed in the lower
section with normal font, all active messages are in bold letters.
A rolling graph with air temperature and superheat data over a
period of approximately 10 minutes can be displayed:
A logfile can be stored on the PC. The file format of the datalog
is text with semicolon (;) separated fields. On the picture below
is a sample log file from an EC3-332 imported in Microsoft
Excel®:
All WebPages, which allow the change of controller parameters
are password protected. Below is the example for the
thermostat configuration WebPage of an EC3-332 Controller.
The setpoints of day and night operation, as well as the settings
which will initiate an alarm can be easily reviewed and modified
if needed:

EC33e35041.doc Rev.: 06 4/8 26.10.2005

 EC3 Series
Coldroom Controllers

Alarm and Maintenance Functions Safety Functions

EC3-33x provides many alarm codes to facilitate diagnosis.
Limit violation alarms are associated with temperature and
pressure set point (high alarm, low alarm, sensor failure).
The serial alarm loop of the compressor can be connected to a
digital input. It will monitor compressor operation and signal
shutdown in case the serial alarm loop is open due to high
motor temperature or excessive pressure etc.
Alarm management includes the issuing of an alarm message
through the network and to show the alarm code on the
controllers display. The priorities and subsequent actions can
be individually defined for each alarm when connected to a PC
or an AMS monitoring server.
The EC3-332 has the capability to send alarm messages
directly by email.
While the attached Display Unit ECD-001 indicates alarms as
blinking symbols only, the monitoring WebPage shows all
alarms in text form. All possible alarm messages are visible,
active alarms are highlighted bold, see below:
Various safety functions are available for use particularly when
the EC3-33x is controlling the compressor directly. These safety
features are used to prevent compressor damage and include:
Limitation of maximum evaporating pressure (MOP), delay of
compressor start after control reset, minimum time between two
starts, minimum compressor off time, minimum compressor run
time.
Safe operating modes allow the system to continue to operate
safely even when the signal is lost from a defective or
disconnected sensor.
Particularly useful facilities are the service functions, which
enable the engineer to manually control the system during
commissioning. They include manual operation of compressor,
fan and Electrical Control Valve, or special operating modes of
system for cleaning, permanent night operation, manual defrost
or others, see below:

Wiring Diagram

ECD 001
WH BK BL BN
1 C 2 1 C 2 1 C 1 C

Alarm Comp HEAT FAN STEPPER MOTOR

DIGITAL OUTPUT 250V max 8A / 2A

EC3-33x
PCN: 807 xxx
Coldroom Controller EX5 / 6 / 7 / 8
Rev: 000 05.05 MAC ADDRESS: 00:12:0A.FD.00.00

SUPPLY DIGITAL INPUT 24V 4-20mA TEMPERATURE 4-20mA

24V AC 1 2 IN 1 2 3 OUT
COMP SUCTION COIL DEFROST SUCTION
SAFETY DOOR PRESSURE OUT AIR TERM. PRESSURE
COM

EC3-33x Coldroom Controller for Electrical Control Valves EX5 … EX8

EC33e35041.doc Rev.: 06 5/8 26.10.2005

 EC3 Series
Coldroom Controllers

Accessories
Terminal Kits for EC3 Series:
Type Order Nr.
Terminal Kit for EC3-33x series K03-331 807 648

ECD Series Display Unit:

Display for EC3-200 to 500 ECD-001 807 641
Connection cable EC3 to ECD 1.5 m ECC-017 804 380

Electrical Control Valves with Stepper Motor Drive*

3 to 35kW EX5-U21 800 600
8 to 84kW EX6-I21 800 610
Nominal capacity R404A 8 to 84kW EX6-M21 800 611 ECN-Sxx
22 to 230kW EX7-U21 801 686
*) see datasheet EX58e35008.pdf 60 to 613kW EX8-M21 801 964
for details
60 to 613kW EX8-U21 801 970
Cable and connector 1.5m length EX5-C15 804656
assembly for EX5/EX6 3.0m length EX5-C30 804657
6.0m length EX5-C60 804658
ECN-Pxx
NTC Sensors (Air type) 1,5m cable length ECN-S15 804 304
(10 kΩ at 25°C) 3m cable length ECN-S30 804 305
6m cable length ECN-S60 804 284
NTC Sensors (Pipe type) 3m cable length ECN-P30 804 280
(10 kΩ at 25°C) 6m cable length ECN-P60 804 281
8m cable length ECN-P80 804 282
NTC Sensors (Fin type) ECN-Fxx
(10 kΩ at 25°C) 6m cable length ECN-F60 804 283

Pressure Transmitter -0.8…7bar PT4-07S 802 320

0…18bar PT4-18S 802 322
Cable Assembly for PT4 1.5m cable length PT4-L15 804 593
3.0m cable length PT4-L30 804 594
6.0m cable length PT4-L60 804 595

Transformer 230VAC Input, PT4-07S with

Din rail mounting, Class II 24V output, 50VA ECT-623 804 421 Plug / Cable Assembly PT4-Lxx
Infrared Remote Control
English EC2-IRE 804 345
Language: German EC2-IRD 804 346
French EC2-IRF 804 347
Spanish EC2-IRS 804 348
Italian EC2-IRI 804 349

ECT-623

EC2-IRE Remote Control

EC33e35041.doc Rev.: 06 6/8 26.10.2005

 EC3 Series
Coldroom Controllers

Technical Data
EC3 Series Controller ECD-001 Display Unit
Supply voltage 24VAC ±10%, 50/60Hz Class II only Supply From EC3 Series Controller via
6.3mm spade earth connector connecting cable
Power consumption 28VA max. (EC3-33x) LED indicators Compressor, Fan, Defrost, Alarm,
LON-Service pin, IR status
Plug-in connector size Removable screw version Display LED Numeric segmental display, 2½-digits,
wire size 0.14 … 1.5mm2 red, with automatic decimal point
betw. ±19.9, switchable between °C
and °F
Communication TCP/IP Ethernet (EC3-332) Connecting cable 1,5m (ECC-017) or standard CAT5
®
LON FTT-10 (EC3-331) patch cord with RJ45 connectors
Temperature Temperature
storage -20 … +65°C storage -20 … +65°C
operating 0 … +60°C operating 0 … +60°C
Humidity 0 … 80% r.h. non condensing Humidity 0 … 80% r.h. non condensing
Protection class IP20 Protection class IP 65 (front protection with gasket)
Weight ~ 800g Weight ~ 52g
Mounting DIN rail mounted Mounting Panel mount (71 x 29 mm cutout)

Input and Output Configuration EC3-33x Controller

Description I/O Specification
Temperature inputs (3) 10kΩ @ 25 °C, Coil out temperature
-50 … 50 °C Air temperature
Defrost termination
Pressure transmitter input 24VDC, 4 … 20mA Evaporating pressure
Analog output (evaporating 24VDC, 4 … 20mA Evaporating pressure
pressure feed-through signal)
Digital inputs (2) 24VAC/DC Compressor Safety
Door contact
Output relays (4) SPDT contacts, AgCdO Compressor
Inductive (AC15) 250V / 2A, Alarm
Resistive (AC1) 250V / 8A
SPST contacts, AgCdO Heater
Inductive (AC15) 250V / 2A, Fan
Resistive (AC1) 250V / 8A
Stepper motor output For EX5 … EX8 Electrical Control Valves
Communications ®
RJ45 10MBit/sec. Ethernet or LON FTT10

EC33e35041.doc Rev.: 06 7/8 26.10.2005

 EC3 Series
Coldroom Controllers

Physical Dimensions Drawings (mm)

EC3-Series Controller

ECD-001 Display Unit

ECT-623 Transformer
75 82
62

50 62 71

ALCO CONTROLS is not to be held responsible for erroneous literature
regarding capacities, dimensions, applications, etc. stated herein.
Products, specifications and data in this literature are subject to change
without notice. The information given herein is based on technical data
and tests which ALCO CONTROLS believes to be reliable and which
are in compliance with technical knowledge of today. It is intended only
for use by persons having the appropriate technical knowledge and
skills, at their own discretion and risk. Since conditions of use are
outside of ALCO'S control we can not assume any liability for results
obtained or damages occurred due to improper application.
This document replaces all former versions.

Phone: Fax:
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ALCO CONTROLS Denmark & Finland +44 (0) 1635 876 161 +44 (0) 1635 877 111
Eastern Europe +32 (0)87 305 061 +32 (0)87 305 506
Postfach 1251
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Heerstraße 111
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Fax ...49-7151-509-200 Russia & Cis +7 095 981 9811 +7 095 981 9816
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www.eCopeland.com/alcoliterature.cfm Sweden & Norway +44 (0) 1635 876 161 +44 (0) 1635 877 111
UK & Ireland +44 (0) 1635 876 161 +44 (0) 1635 877 111

EC33e35041.doc Rev.: 06 8/8 26.10.2005